Hungary

Spring Dragonflies at wetlands

Hungary, 7 days

Springtime at the wetlands of North-Western Hungary, between the Eastern stretch of the Alps and the Great Plains! Spotlight is on Lake Fertő, which is the last member of the series of shallow, alkaline temporary lakes from West Asia to Central Europe. The lake has wide, dense reedbeds around the Southern edge of the open water, creating special habitat types, famous for their diverse and abundant waterbird as well as dragonfly fauna. The neighbouring limestone hills covered by xeroterm oak forests and grasslands on the slopes are suitable for the prematuration periode of young dragonflies. The beech, mixed deciduous and spruce forests of the Sopron Hills and the great wetlands of Hanság are also on our menu. The smaller and larger rivers of the region such as Répce, Rába, Mosoni Danube and Danube are also within easy reach.

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Fact File

- 5 days in Fertő-Hanság National Park

- 1 or 2 days in the Szigetköz (the last day can be spent in Budapest)

- start in Vienna or Budapest, finish in Vienna or Budapest

Highlights

- wide variety of dragonfly species

- visiting Fertő-Hanság National Park

- rare butterfly and bird species

Accommodation

5 nights at Fertő-Hanság National Park

2 nights in Szigetköz OR 1 night at Szigetköz, 1 night at Budapest

Departure Dates

http://www.ecotours.hu/calendar

Price

Ask for the actual price.

Our price includes:

- all travel as noted in the itinerary;

- all accommodation based on shared rooms (most rooms are twin bedded), at most locations there are single rooms as well for extra charge (Please ask for a single room at the time of booking!);

- 3 meals per day, generally breakfast at the accommodation, packed lunch, dinner (consists of at least two courses);

- services of the leader(s);

- trip materials.

Not included:

- flight to and from Vienna or Budapest;

- optional programmes to places of interest and entrance fees involved;

- airport and other departure taxes, tips;

- food beyond generally 3 meals/day mentioned in the itineraries;

- excess baggage charges;

- telephone calls;

- alcoholic beverages;

- compulsory personal insurance.

If you have questions about the inclusion of any cost item, please contact us.

Activity level

Generally easy to moderate walks

Itinerary

After landing at Vienna Airport in Austria or Budapest Airport in Hungary you will be met by your English speaking guide. We cross interesting habitats and tiny villages on the Austrian side of Lake Fertő (Neusiedlersee). The small, shallow alkaline, more or less temporary water bodies of the Seewinkel offer nice views for birdwatching. We arrive at Fertőd, where we can start looking for the first butterfly and dragonfly species.

We explore several scenic areas in the Western part of Lake Fertő including the limestone hills of Szárhalom and the swamps of Tómalom where Scarce Chaser, Keeled Skimmer, Hairy Dragonfly and sometimes Large White-faced Darter can be found. We visit the bay at Fertőrákos where Four-spotted Chaser, Downy Emerald and Norfolk Hawker can fly in large numbers at small water bodies in the reedbeds.

We also visit Sopron Hills where small brooklets in the forest support colonies of Fire Salamander and the rarest dragonfly of the area, Balkan Goldenring. As it is on the wing since the end of June now only larvae and habitats can be visited.

The finest site supporting Large White-faced Darter and Ornate Damselfly populations is found near Hegykő and Fertőhomok, at the Southern edge of the lake. Scarce Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly and Keeled Skimmer can be found there as well. Occasionally Lesser Emperor, Vagrant Emperor and Southern Skimmer occur, too. We visit the Eastern side of Lake Fertő during the afternoon, where small shallow water bodies provide habitat for different Lestes species, such as the very rare Dark Emerald Damselfly. Red-veined Darter might occur here while wandering.

The whole day can be spent along the River Répce near Csáfordjánosfa. The rivulet supports populations of Club-tailed Dragonfly, Banded Demoiselle and Beautiful Demoiselle. On the grasslands Large Copper and Southern Festoon can be found.

We explore the wetlands and swamp forests of the Hanság. There are small canals where Scarce Chaser, Keeled Skimmer, Southern Skimmer and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly can be found. The newly reconstructed wetland at the Nyirkai-Hany is populated by small colonies of Large White-faced Darter, and very rarely Two-spotted Dragonfly. Hairy Dragonfly and Norfolk Hawker are widespread.

We visit various sites in the Szigetköz, including the Mosoni Danube, the Old Danube, oxbows and canals supporting Club-tailed Dragonfly, Two-spotted Dragonfly, Scarce Chaser, and – with luck – Large White-faced Darter.

Depending on your flight schedules and departure city we can visit some more habitats on the way. Departure either from Budapest or Vienna according to your needs.

Enquiry

Booking